|
Post by lawrence on Jun 14, 2022 8:19:02 GMT -5
Perhaps we can gain an appreciation of Jackie's intimate interpretation of "Both Sides Now" from Joni Mitchell's perspective which I believe Jackie has related beautifully with her breathy, almost spoken delivery, albeit with slight variations to the score to make it her own, while maintaining the integrity of the song. Jackie's insight to it's meaning is apparent. As she said in her interview with PEOPLE magazine, "I love how the song is something we can all relate to in our own unique way," Evancho tells PEOPLE. "We listen to the words and each of us has a moment in time we go back to. And it's all individual to the person listening. It's a message for millions but directed towards one. I find that so beautiful." I'll speak directly to Jackie's vocal style later.
"Both Sides, Now" was inspired by a passage in Henderson the Rain King, a 1959 novel by Saul Bellow.
"I was reading ... Henderson the Rain King on a plane and early in the book Henderson ... is also up in a plane. He's on his way to Africa and he looks down and sees these clouds. I put down the book, looked out the window and saw clouds too, and I immediately started writing the song. I had no idea that the song would become as popular as it did."
Meaning: BY AMANDA LONDON · PUBLISHED JANUARY 18, 2022 · UPDATED JANUARY 18, 2022
To proclaim that you’re looking at a matter “from both sides now” is another way of saying that unlike the past, currently you’re able to perceive both the good and the bad of the situation. And in the case of this song, the vocalist goes about alluding to a holistic view of the world she has developed based on experience, now being able to recognize, in a manner of speaking, that all that glitters ain’t gold. And she does so by using three examples to point out a dichotomy present in nature, so to speak.
First Example: The first is by observing clouds. Joni colorfully notes that they are in fact beautiful occurrences, taking on various shapes and forms at our imagination’s will. And she is making this observation from the perspective of someone who is actually soaring above them (i.e. in an airplane).
Yet by the time all is said and done, she is also lamenting how, with the vocalist now being more earthbound, these same clouds “block the sun” and bring about bad weather that affects “everyone”. And in that regard and as alluded to at the end of the second, they are also meant to serve as a symbol, most simply put, of stifling depression.
Second Example: Next comes Joni’s reflections on love of the romantic variety. And once again she goes about initially noticing that being smitten is a pure thrill. But by the time the relationship climaxes, it has degenerated to the point where the two parties involved are parting ways under less-than-ideal circumstances and in a way having grown further apart than ever.
Third Example: And lastly, she speaks to love in more of a friendly, communal variety, i.e. the affection between top homeys. At first, i.e. in the past, everything is once again depicted as having been all good. But in the here and now, it’s like these selfsame friends are rather shunning the vocalist, claiming that she’s “changed” or what have you.
And perhaps in this particular instance Joni is speaking to her come-up, i.e. associates having grown jealous of her musical success. But such is not specified and as such reads as if it is based on the general concept of people personalities shifting over time – how even the closest associations at one point may not prove so the next.
What “Both Sides Now” is all about: The ultimate conclusion all of these musings lead to is the vocalist coming to the realization that she doesn’t actually understand life “at all”. Or viewed alternatively, the singer doesn’t seem predispositioned towards trying to make sense out of depression or love lost.
To her, such inconsistencies define the world we live in. Or viewed differently yet again, the same vehicle which may originally appear as a blessing can later deteriorate into a curse. And whereas Joni is able to recognize this fact, she doesn’t actually comprehend why such, it seems, has to be so."
|
|
|
Post by Willyiam on Jun 14, 2022 12:43:08 GMT -5
Perhaps we can gain an appreciation of Jackie's intimate interpretation of "Both Sides Now" from Joni Mitchell's perspective which I believe Jackie has related beautifully with her breathy, almost spoken delivery, albeit with slight variations to the score to make it her own, while maintaining the integrity of the song. Jackie's insight to it's meaning is apparent. As she said in her interview with PEOPLE magazine, "I love how the song is something we can all relate to in our own unique way," Evancho tells PEOPLE. "We listen to the words and each of us has a moment in time we go back to. And it's all individual to the person listening. It's a message for millions but directed towards one. I find that so beautiful." I'll speak directly to Jackie's vocal style later. "Both Sides, Now" was inspired by a passage in Henderson the Rain King, a 1959 novel by Saul Bellow. "I was reading ... Henderson the Rain King on a plane and early in the book Henderson ... is also up in a plane. He's on his way to Africa and he looks down and sees these clouds. I put down the book, looked out the window and saw clouds too, and I immediately started writing the song. I had no idea that the song would become as popular as it did." Meaning: BY AMANDA LONDON · PUBLISHED JANUARY 18, 2022 · UPDATED JANUARY 18, 2022 To proclaim that you’re looking at a matter “from both sides now” is another way of saying that unlike the past, currently you’re able to perceive both the good and the bad of the situation. And in the case of this song, the vocalist goes about alluding to a holistic view of the world she has developed based on experience, now being able to recognize, in a manner of speaking, that all that glitters ain’t gold. And she does so by using three examples to point out a dichotomy present in nature, so to speak. First Example: The first is by observing clouds. Joni colorfully notes that they are in fact beautiful occurrences, taking on various shapes and forms at our imagination’s will. And she is making this observation from the perspective of someone who is actually soaring above them (i.e. in an airplane). Yet by the time all is said and done, she is also lamenting how, with the vocalist now being more earthbound, these same clouds “block the sun” and bring about bad weather that affects “everyone”. And in that regard and as alluded to at the end of the second, they are also meant to serve as a symbol, most simply put, of stifling depression. Second Example: Next comes Joni’s reflections on love of the romantic variety. And once again she goes about initially noticing that being smitten is a pure thrill. But by the time the relationship climaxes, it has degenerated to the point where the two parties involved are parting ways under less-than-ideal circumstances and in a way having grown further apart than ever. Third Example: And lastly, she speaks to love in more of a friendly, communal variety, i.e. the affection between top homeys. At first, i.e. in the past, everything is once again depicted as having been all good. But in the here and now, it’s like these selfsame friends are rather shunning the vocalist, claiming that she’s “changed” or what have you. And perhaps in this particular instance Joni is speaking to her come-up, i.e. associates having grown jealous of her musical success. But such is not specified and as such reads as if it is based on the general concept of people personalities shifting over time – how even the closest associations at one point may not prove so the next. What “Both Sides Now” is all about: The ultimate conclusion all of these musings lead to is the vocalist coming to the realization that she doesn’t actually understand life “at all”. Or viewed alternatively, the singer doesn’t seem predispositioned towards trying to make sense out of depression or love lost. To her, such inconsistencies define the world we live in. Or viewed differently yet again, the same vehicle which may originally appear as a blessing can later deteriorate into a curse. And whereas Joni is able to recognize this fact, she doesn’t actually comprehend why such, it seems, has to be so." You should have included the "Both Sides Now" video!
|
|
|
Post by lawrence on Jun 14, 2022 14:00:00 GMT -5
You should have included the "Both Sides Now" video! Thank you. It was my intention to include it in this post as a reference. Why I appreciate Jackie's interpretation of Both Sides Now First, consider a few vocal techniques she uses: *Her exhaling breaths. Rather than singing the notes through with vibrato, she cuts them short with an audible breath.. She is relating to the story as told by Joni, expressing an intimate connection with the narrative as if it were her own experience. Perhaps it is in some respects and why she relates to it, and to other Mitchell songs that have inspired her. *Her purposeful use of "vocal fry", which is a common unconscious characteristic of teenage and young women's speaking voices, the raspy sound at the bottom of the voice, is frequently evident in the verses of the song beginning with the first verse, "...AND castles in the air..", "...feather canyons EVERYwhere..." and so on throughout the song. *However, she switches from the breathy delivery of the verses, to singing the chorus, "I've looked at clouds from both sides now..." with her perfectly on-pitch signature soprano clarity as a contrast, then returns to the breathy narrative of the verses. Utilizing these techniques, Jackie's interpretation is personal and intimate, not an intention to demonstrate her singing skills necessarily, but rather tell a story. Jackie has said often that she records what is meaningful to her regardless of the genre. I think she has conveyed Joni's lyrics expertly with this song, and with "River" as well. Some may be disappointed, expecting something more challenging vocally, more in the cc genre demonstrating her range, the extent of her vocal capabilities, etc. Why does everything have to measure up to some standard of vocal prowess to be appreciated? Jackie is a master vocalist, despite her "lack" of formal training. She can select a certain vocal style to suit a song's message in whatever genre has inspired her and make it work. She has an uncanny insight to the ethos, the essence of a song's meaning, and the ability to convey it in a way that makes it her own, yet with respect for the writer's intention. She said in interview with Heather Ard, "I love that my form of music is almost solely instinctual". In my estimation, that has contributed to her exceptional versatility. With all consideration to what I perceive was Jackie's intention with her interpretation, this cover is beautiful, it grows on you as do many of Jackie's songs, and represents Joni with integrity, rendered with genuine artistry.
|
|
|
Post by lawrence on Jun 15, 2022 9:41:07 GMT -5
That's an interesting statement which will naturally incur debate, a topic best suited to a thread of its own or elsewhere on the board. I'll be happy to discuss it there. The pertinent question here is, what do you appreciate or not appreciate about Jackie's interpretation of Both Sides Now?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2022 10:57:29 GMT -5
That's an interesting statement which will naturally incur debate, a topic best suited to a thread of its own or elsewhere on the board. I'll be happy to discuss it there. The pertinent question here is, what do you appreciate or not appreciate about Jackie's interpretation of Both Sides Now? I think "both sides now" is good but no more. There are many versions that are even more intimate, soulful and above all more modern. The song is good but Jackie doesn't set any new accents. there are barely audible emotional differences between the positive and negative aspects of the topics (clouds, love, life). If you know when the song was recorded and what Jackie's situation was like back then, this is understandable. I hope that the other songs are better.
|
|
|
Post by lawrence on Jun 17, 2022 10:56:39 GMT -5
Jackie is often called a "vocal artist" rather than a singer, and for good reason. Her interpretation of "Both Sides Now", for example, is certainly artistry, in my view, with her use of vocal fry, breathy delivery of the verses contrasted with her exquisite bel-canto high-notes in the choruses, and particularly her choice to rise on "somehow" in the final chorus and to soar and gently descend with...."life-a-at-a-all", bringing the emotion to conclusion. (the recording is above). More than that, Jackie's on-stage performances are artistic....her hand and arm gestures are natural, spontaneous and graceful, almost poetic, not choreographed but an expression of what she really feels with her delivery of each phrase or line of a song. The following is an excerpt from Creator Magazine, written by Tim Carson who's explanation of vocal artistry perfectly describes Jackie:
VOCAL ARTISTRY (by Tim Carson)
"A vocal artist is different from a singer. Singers reproduce notes and words. Vocal Artists are able to connect heart to voice and find the ability to accurately convey their heart's message through their songs.
Singers approach their stage presence with what they think they should be doing--externally motivated. Vocal Artists are able to physically express their songs in a way that is natural, engaging and authentic--internally motivated. Singers are left to do the best they can within the limitations their voice has placed upon them. Vocal Artists are in control of their voice, able to maneuver this instrument with freedom, strength, expression and style."
FREEDOM
"Every singer I've ever met is frustrated to one degree or another, with a sense that their voice is dictating to them what they can and can't do. They are not in control of their voice. They experience these limitations with range, tone quality, stylistic flexibility...and the list goes on."
EXPRESSION
"Too often, communication and stage presence can end up being about what we think we should be doing with our hands, our body movements, our arms and our facial expressions. We try to bring 'energy' to our performance, attempting to look engaged in order to draw people into the experience. But all of these motivations are externally focused, and what ends up being communicated is an artificial, disconnected performance."
We want our audience to feel something real.." (May I add, SEE something real)
STYLE
"Most singers do not think of vocal style as something they have any control over whatsoever. If they tend to sing with a traditional or classical sound, then they resign themselves to believing that is the 'box' they need to stay in. When we lack stylistic control and versatility, our own performance is limited in expression."
|
|
|
Post by trebor on Jun 17, 2022 11:30:26 GMT -5
Jackie is often called a "vocal artist" rather than a singer, and for good reason. Her interpretation of "Both Sides Now", for example, is certainly artistry, in my view, with her use of vocal fry, breathy delivery of the verses contrasted with her exquisite bel-canto high-notes in the choruses, and particularly her choice to rise on "somehow" in the final chorus and to soar and gently descend with...."life-a-at-a-all", bringing the emotion to conclusion. (the recording is above). More than that, Jackie's on-stage performances are artistic....her hand and arm gestures are natural, spontaneous and graceful, almost poetic, not choreographed but an expression of what she really feels with her delivery of each phrase or line of a song. The following is an excerpt from Creator Magazine, written by Tim Carson who's explanation of vocal artistry perfectly describes Jackie: VOCAL ARTISTRY (by Tim Carson) "A vocal artist is different from a singer. Singers reproduce notes and words. Vocal Artists are able to connect heart to voice and find the ability to accurately convey their heart's message through their songs. Singers approach their stage presence with what they think they should be doing--externally motivated. Vocal Artists are able to physically express their songs in a way that is natural, engaging and authentic--internally motivated. Singers are left to do the best they can within the limitations their voice has placed upon them. Vocal Artists are in control of their voice, able to maneuver this instrument with freedom, strength, expression and style." FREEDOM "Every singer I've ever met is frustrated to one degree or another, with a sense that their voice is dictating to them what they can and can't do. They are not in control of their voice. They experience these limitations with range, tone quality, stylistic flexibility...and the list goes on." EXPRESSION "Too often, communication and stage presence can end up being about what we think we should be doing with our hands, our body movements, our arms and our facial expressions. We try to bring 'energy' to our performance, attempting to look engaged in order to draw people into the experience. But all of these motivations are externally focused, and what ends up being communicated is an artificial, disconnected performance." We want our audience to feel something real.." (May I add, SEE something real) STYLE "Most singers do not think of vocal style as something they have any control over whatsoever. If they tend to sing with a traditional or classical sound, then they resign themselves to believing that is the 'box' they need to stay in. When we lack stylistic control and versatility, our own performance is limited in expression."
|
|
|
Post by trebor on Jun 17, 2022 11:40:41 GMT -5
Whereas Jackie is referred to as a 'Vocal Artist', I prefer to call her a Vocal Stylist in the same manner as I have previously compared her to Linda Rondstant, who in her time was able to excel in any and all genres. Linda never wrote her own songs but everything she recorded, she owned, much as Jackie does. By putting her own interpetation on anything she sings, it becomes better than the original. Linda was at one time was on top of the Billboards of Pop, Country and Rock and Roll at the same time. A true Vocal Stylist. She also performed Opera in The Pirates of Penzance. I wish Jackie would reprise Linda instead of Joni.
|
|
|
Post by johnnyb on Jun 17, 2022 12:36:08 GMT -5
Jackie’s newly released video is out::
|
|
|
Post by lawrence on Jun 17, 2022 14:33:36 GMT -5
Whereas Jackie is referred to as a 'Vocal Artist', I prefer to call her a Vocal Stylist in the same manner as I have previously compared her to Linda Rondstant, who in her time was able to excel in any and all genres. Linda never wrote her own songs but everything she recorded, she owned, much as Jackie does. By putting her own interpetation on anything she sings, it becomes better than the original. Linda was at one time was on top of the Billboards of Pop, Country and Rock and Roll at the same time. A true Vocal Stylist. She also performed Opera in The Pirates of Penzance. I wish Jackie would reprise Linda instead of Joni. On several occasions, Jackie said she would like to do an album covering great female singers/songwriters, something to that effect. Upon reading the Melody Place write-up announcing a "concept album", I expected it would be something of that nature, thinking "River was probably an example. It was released before Christmas, and therefore an appropriate song for the season. Jackie's "sneak peek" to the album with performances of 4/5 of Joni's songs in concert confirmed that she had covered Mitchell extensively and the album would be exclusive to her, a tribute actually. I am not disappointed with "River" or "Both Sides Now", but like both very much. I've always liked Joni's music. And, from what Jackie has presented so far, I anticipate more of Jackie's artistry/styling in the album. My point is that, if she still aspires to recording a "great female singers" album someday, she would most probably include Linda Ronstadt among others from various eras and genres. She respects the works of earlier artists and has been inspired by many of them since she was a child. Who knows about Jackie and "what's going on in that brain"...lol (David Foster)?...always surprising We'll have to wait a couple more years to see.
|
|
|
Post by lawrence on Feb 8, 2023 16:43:29 GMT -5
Jackie said in her interview with PEOPLE magazine, "I love how the song is something we can all relate to in our own unique way.... "We listen to the words and each of us has a moment in time we go back to. And it's all individual to the person listening. "Both Sides Now", performed on TalkShopLive, Sept. 1, 2022 Comment from Sal Adler who uploaded the video: "This performance is so special because it's pure, raw, natural. It truly shows her heart, soul, beauty and talent. In my opinion an orchestra is not needed when you have that kind of ability." Following her performance, Jackie briefly relates her own experience as a child and an adult singer to Joni Mitchell's lyrics.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2023 16:53:01 GMT -5
Jackie said in her interview with PEOPLE magazine, "I love how the song is something we can all relate to in our own unique way.... "We listen to the words and each of us has a moment in time we go back to. And it's all individual to the person listening. "Both Sides Now", performed on TalkShopLive, Sept. 1, 2022 Comment from Sal Adler who uploaded the video: "This performance is so special because it's pure, raw, natural. It truly shows her heart, soul, beauty and talent. In my opinion an orchestra is not needed when you have that kind of ability." Following her performance, Jackie briefly relates her own experience as a child and an adult singer to Joni Mitchell's lyrics. Its not needed, but it sure is pretty with an orchestra.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2023 0:17:46 GMT -5
"Both Sides Now", performed on TalkShopLive, Sept. 1, 2022 Comment from Sal Adler who uploaded the video: "This performance is so special because it's pure, raw, natural. It truly shows her heart, soul, beauty and talent. In my opinion an orchestra is not needed when you have that kind of ability." Following her performance, Jackie briefly relates her own experience as a child and an adult singer to Joni Mitchell's lyrics. Its not needed, but it sure is pretty with an orchestra. So Jackie could also earn her money as a street singer. Maybe Jackie should give that a try. Some stars have already been discovered.
|
|